Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Yerevan is interested in restoring full-fledged dialogue between Georgia and its Western partners—both the European Union and the United States. According to him, this position is the official line of the Armenian authorities.
Speaking at a press conference, Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia-Georgia relations are not dependent on Tbilisi's current disagreements with Brussels and Washington. Yerevan intends to further develop cooperation with its neighbor.
"As I have already said, we are interested in normalizing relations between the European Union and Georgia, as well as between the United States and Georgia—that is our position. But beyond that, regardless of these circumstances, our cooperation and relations with Georgia will undoubtedly continue to develop consistently. This is our brotherly country; we are bound by a strategic partnership, and we will certainly continue to strengthen our relations," the Armenian prime minister stated.
Pashinyan also said that shortly before speaking with journalists, he had spoken on the phone with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. The conversation, he said, took place informally.
The prime minister's statements came as the results of the Armenian vote were being tabulated. After processing 94% of the ballots, the Central Election Commission confirmed the ruling Civil Contract party, led by Pashinyan, as the leader. According to preliminary data, the political force received 50.07% of the vote—nearly 690,000 voters.
The ruling party's main rival remains the Strong Armenia bloc, which received 23.35%. It is followed by the Armenia bloc (9.96%), the Prosperous Armenia party (3.99%), and the Wings of Unity party (2.28%).
Preliminary results allow Pashinyan's party to maintain a confident political advantage, and the prime minister himself to discuss foreign policy priorities from the perspective of the likely winner of the current campaign.
